The Graduate Certificate in Family Studies in designed to train individuals who want to work with families in a variety of contexts: as educators, community organizers, legal professionals, child-care workers, or EAP counselors. Human Relations professionals, business managers or supervisors, among many others, would also benefit from the application of systemic family principles to their efforts. The curriculum includes
coursework on systemic thinking in family studies, topics in human and family systems development, gender issues, sexuality issues, violence in the family, and diversity issues.

This program takes advantage of our school's unique access to a multidisciplinary faculty, incorporating coursework in peace studies, violence prevention, consultation, school systems, and business systems. Our multidisciplinary approach prepares students to apply knowledge about family systems directly to their work environment and demands.

The Graduate Certificate Program in Family Studies is a 24 credit hour program (8 courses). Students who decide to continue their studies in Family Therapy may apply some of these credit hours toward the M.S. or Ph.D. in Family Therapy if accepted to the program.

Students may enroll full or part time, taking three to nine credit hours per term. Students can expect to complete the Graduate Certificate program in 10-15 months depending on the pace of study. Summer attendance is mandatory.

Degree Plans

Below is a sample of a degree plan for a full-time student who begins their studies in the Fall term. Degree plans will be modified based on a student’s enrollment date and pace of study.

Degree Plan: 24 credit hours